Anti-snoring appliances and Bite Splints - Tunbridge Wells

Many patients are urged to seek advice and a solution to troublesome snoring by their sleep partners. Whilst anti-snoring appliances are very effective and quite straightforward to use, patients are often surprised at finding out that snoring is strongly linked to a number of serious health risks. A significant percentage of those who snore have a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and this is associated with an increased risk of Stroke, Hypertension and Angina (among other conditions).

We assess our patients for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and will advice them on where to seek appropriate help if necessary. This important condition should always be excluded before the snoring aspect is addressed (the ‘Mild’ form of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea may be treated with Snoring Appliances).

Anti-Snoring Appliances are small gum-shield-like mouth guards, which work by gently holding the lower jaw forwards so that the back of the throat is not blocked during sleep. They require a thorough assessment of the mouth and condition history, followed by the taking of ‘moulds’ of the teeth and careful customisation of the appliance to the individual. Review appointments are then scheduled to ensure that the effectiveness is optimised.

There are also patients who habitually grind or clench their teeth to the extent where they suffer significant symptoms such as like headaches, painful jaws or joint aches. Splint Therapy is available as a treatment option for these troublesome cases.